What to do about my bad rear end?

[mbent]

I am not sure if I should dump money into my 81 spider, or just sell her off?? I am not finding any rear ends, and the few I found are from different years. Can I fit another years diff in my 81??? No one around here wants to do a ring and pinion on my car, and I am getting discouraged. Can someone please give me some insight??? Thanks so much!!!

[So Cal Mark]

any of the 79 and later rear ends will bolt directly in. Earlier years can be used with a couple of easy mods. Where are you located?

[baltobernie]

The '81, with the fuel injected motor, is typically a desirable car. If otherwise sound, it probably makes sense to repair her. You did get good advice on not attempting a ring & pinion job; it requires specialized Fiat tools and just reading the procedure in the shop manual makes me dizzy.

The usual approach is to replace the whole rear axle. It's a snap if you have a lift - considerably more awkward without one. No special tools required. Gives you an opportune time to change the rear shocks, even shorten the rear springs if you are so inclined. You don't even have to drain the brake system if you don't want to. Salvage rear axles sell for $200-$400, but shipping costs can eat you up. Where are you located?

[TulsaSpider]

I have a complete rear axle from a 79 if you are interested.

[racydave]

It would be much easier to pick one up without the shipping. There are other forums to query. A good saturday drive to a neighboring town?

[So Cal Mark]

changing the ring and pinion is no different than in any other rear drive car. The only problems are availability of the parts and the cost

[davidwhitt]

From a previous post he said he was just outside chicago.

I sent a message, check your inbox.

David

[HAWKER]

I sheared a couple of teeth off my differential drive gear. I got a new main gear set from one of the many part suppliers and the parts were $400 and the Labor was $165. This is a job for someone that has the tools and experience. Thee place that installed the new parts for me is:
DriveTrainService and Components, Inc.
292 Devon Ave.
Bensenville, Il 60106
630 860 7474
Good luck, I considered the old junk yard run but defaulted to this option. It works fine and I am currently in the process of restoring the car completely. I hoe this help you out.